Study resource
South African road signs
Every road sign category explained. Use this to study for your learner's licence test - road signs is a 30-question section with a 23/30 pass mark.
Quick study links
Practice: road signs
30-question drill drawn from our sign bank. Instant scoring.
Full mock test
68 questions - rules, signs, controls. Official pass marks applied.
Road signs study guide
Commonly failed signs, study strategy, sign categories in depth.
Speed limits guide
60 / 100 / 120 km/h defaults and when signs override them.
Regulatory signs
Shape: Round (red border or solid colour)
Background: White with red border, or solid blue/red
Meaning: You must obey these. They create legal obligations.
- STOPCome to a complete stop. Proceed only when safe.
- YIELDGive way to oncoming or crossing traffic.
- Speed limit (e.g. 60)Maximum permitted speed on this road.
- No entryDo not enter. Red circle, white horizontal bar.
- No overtakingOvertaking prohibited for the distance shown.
- No U-turnU-turns prohibited.
- Compulsory turnBlue circle with arrow - you must turn in that direction.
- Speed derestrictionEnd of speed limit - return to default for road type.
Warning signs
Shape: Diamond (yellow/orange background with black border)
Background: Yellow or orange, black symbol
Meaning: Warn of hazards ahead. Slow down and proceed with caution.
- Sharp bend left / rightTight curve ahead. Reduce speed.
- Double bendTwo curves in succession. Approach carefully.
- Narrow roadRoad narrows ahead. Be prepared to give way.
- Pedestrians in roadPedestrians may be on or crossing the road.
- School zoneChildren may be near the road. Slow to 40 km/h if signed.
- Animals in roadDomestic or wild animals may cross.
- Slippery roadSurface may be slippery - especially when wet.
- Railway crossingLevel crossing ahead. Stop if train is approaching.
Guidance / direction signs
Shape: Rectangular
Background: Green (national routes), blue (provincial), white (local)
Meaning: Give directions, distances, and route numbers.
- Route number (e.g. N1, N2)National road number. Green background for N-routes.
- City direction boardPoints toward a town or destination. Distance shown.
- One-way streetTraffic flows in one direction only.
- No through roadDead end - no exit through this road.
Informatory signs
Shape: Rectangular or square
Background: Blue with white symbols
Meaning: Provide useful information - services, facilities, distances.
- Hospital (H)Hospital or medical facility nearby.
- Fuel stationPetrol / diesel available ahead.
- AirportAirport direction or proximity.
- ParkingParking available. May include time restrictions.
- Rest areaStop, rest, and use facilities.
Temporary signs
Shape: Diamond or rectangular
Background: Fluorescent yellow-green
Meaning: Warn of temporary hazards: road works, diversions, changed conditions.
- Road works aheadConstruction or maintenance in progress.
- Temporary speed limitReduced speed limit applies for the works zone.
- DetourNormal route closed - follow the diversion.
- Loose gravelSurface is rough or gravelled. Reduce speed.
The K53 road signs test
The road signs section is 30 questions with a pass mark of 23. You must pass all three sections (rules, signs, controls) independently on the same day.
Most candidates lose marks by confusing sign shapes and colours, or by trying to memorise text descriptions instead of recognising images. Drill the practice test until you score 28+ consistently before attempting the real exam.